North Metro Shootout Photos

N.Y. Islanders' Owner

There has been a lot of chatter about the Islanders owner Charles Wang. He has been bludgeoned by media pundits and fans across the NHL landscape for being clueless and out of touch with reality with his 10-year contract for Alexi Yashin, the 15-year contract for Rick DiPietro and countless other moves.

The way that DiPietro has played this season provides Wang with some vindication. However, a recent revelation from former GM Mike Millbury provides an interesting twist. It was Wang who insisted that Millbury trade away Olli Jokinen and Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha and use the first pick in the draft to take DiPietro. Millbury indicated that he had intended to take Marian Gaborik with the first overall pick.

Both Parrish and Kvasha are now gone. So yes DiPietro is finally playing some solid hockey. But instead of DiPietro, wouldn't the Islanders be better off with Luongo, Jokinen and Gaborik?

North York Storm AGM

Annual General Meeting

Monday May 14, 2007

Grandravine Community Centre

23 Grandravine Drive

Registration 7:00 PM

Meeting 7:30 PM

Final Provincial Midget B Results

Gold - Lambton Shores
Silver - Russell
Bronze - Lambeth

Semi-Finals
Lambton Shores 1
Lindsay 0

Russell 3
Lambeth 2

Gold Medal Game
Lambton Shore 3
Russell 0

Bronze Medal Game
Lambeth 2
Lindsay 1


Well it looks like Pool A ended up being the toughest grouping. I think we faired not that badly against the top 2 teams in the province. Congratulations Storm!


Full results available here.

Quarter-Final Results

Lambton Shores 2
Nepean 1

Lambeth 2
Mississauga 0

Walkerton 0
Linday 2

Temiskaming 0
Russell 1

Both Lambton Shores and Russell make it to the semi-finals.

The Worst Refs in the History of Ever

I'm not known to be critical of on-ice officials. Not unlike the players, they have to make many instantaneous decisions throughout the course of a hockey game and are sometimes going to be wrong. But at a championships you expect a certain level of competence. Of course, it would have been nice if the referee had made the bus so we wouldn't have had to get by with only linesmen. Perhaps we wouldn't had the phantom whistle, strange penalties and our players used as pinatas by the opposition. Despite the frustration and disappointment, our girls continued to show the same poise, sportsmanship and resilience that they have shown all season. So at the end we lost 2-1 to Russell (maybe Renfrew Gerry knows where that is) and left the weekend without a win. Despite that we are all winners.

A year ago at tryouts, the coaches were of the view that this team was very special. Not because it was loaded with talent although that was there. But this was a collection of young ladies who believed in how the game should be played - by respecting opponents and officials, appreciating the opportunity to play this game, enjoying the competition, and not focusing on the score. People have made good friends and memories - these are thing that can last forever.
We coaches enjoy what we do which is what brings up back every year. This year was different. It was just that much better.

To the girls who will be leaving the team, we wish you only success and good fortune. You certainly have the tools to succeed in life. We didn't teach you that; your wonderful parents did. To the girls are plan to return to the team, we plan to have just as much fun next season. Each year is different because the personalities in the dressing change but we continue to operate by the same principles. If any of the girls would like to share their reflections on the season, you are welcome to do so in the comment section of this posting.

See you all at the banquet on Friday so we can continue to celebrate a wonderful year.

Febreeze is not just for hockey equipment

B Hockey Isn't Like This in North Metro

Lambton Shores is a community of under 3,000 outside of Sarnia. It always makes me wonder how such a small community can come up with so much good local talent. But they do. After crushing Russell by a score of 5-2 in the morning, Lambton Shore won again in the evening by defeating the Storm 5-1. They will easily qualify for the quarter-finals. That is not the case for the Storm who are virtually eliminated with 2 losses. In the other game, Russell defeated Orillia 1-0. But if the Storm beats Russell and Lambton Shores also wins then there would be a 3-way tie for 2nd place. That's one big "if".

The tie-breakers that would be used are:

1. Number of wins
2. Record against other tied teams
3. Goals score minus goals against in round robin play
4. Fewest goals allowed in round robin play
5. Most period won in round robin play

To just beat Russell in the tie-breaker, we would need to win by a margin of 3 goals. Then Orillia would need to lose by at least 5 goals.


Lambton clearly dominated the Storm with their size, speed and shooting. The Storm was able to hang on for about half the game but in a span of 2:40 Lambton scored 3 goals and put the game out of reach. The lone Storm goal was scored by Rebecca R. But to put things in perspective, the Storm's season lasted longer than the Leafs' season.


However, the 'apres hockey' party was hosted by the Traceys and it was clearly the highlight of the day. Richard got out his blender and began to pour pina coladas and margaritas, We were sure that the blender has died that weekend in Sarnia from overuse but there it was in the kitchen humming away.

Leaf Management's Lame Explanation

Leaf management put this poorly written letter in the Toronto Sun this week. Sigh. This is the best they can do.

Here's what the actual ad said:

Thank you for your unwavering support during the 2006-07 season.

We are disappointed that we didn't achieve our primary goal of advancing to the playoffs and competing for the Stanley Cup. It has been an exciting season, with several teams in an unprecedented battle for the few final playoff spots. You were with us every step of the way.

Leafs fans are the greatest fans in hockey. We share your disappointment. However, we accomplished much along the way that puts us in a great position moving forward to pick up those few points in the standings needed to reach that next level.

This season provided exciting win streaks that resulted from outstanding team play in the face of injury and adversity; the further development of our young players; memorable tributes to Leafs legends Borje Salming, Red Kelly, and Hap Day; and the reunion of the 1967 Stanley Cup Champions.

Preparations for next season are already underway. We know we will be better next year as so many of our younger players will have gained from the experience. Every member of our staff will work diligently in the weeks and months ahead to continue to move the team forward toward the ultimate goal of bringing the Cup back to Toronto.

We Knew It Would Be Tough

There are no easy games in Provincials. There aren't even going to be easy shifts. Even a team that you've beaten twice in the regular season is going to be a formidable opponent. Just ask Mississauga - they know oh so well.

So the Storm played a strong game this morning. The girls played hard but it wasn't enough as the Orillia goalie had a perfect game. We had more shots and more scoring chances but ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 game. That is going to happen in hockey, it's part of the game.

So what can we do to move on in the competition? Well if we can work harder then we had better. We need to produce better quality scoring chances. We need to force the opponents to make some mistakes. We need to execute better. Most of all, we need some breaks.

But we are still alive.

Andrew Raycroft's Secret Revealed

Here is what is beneath Raycroft's mysterious exploding glove......

Don Cherry to appear on NBC

The loudest and most garish side show in Canada is being exported to the U.S. After 25 years on CBC's "Hockey Night In Canada', Don Cherry will make his U.S. broadcasting debut as part of NBC's Stanley Cup playoff telecasts. The "man in plaid" will team up with loud-mouth Brett Hull to provide "colour" to the NBC telecasts.

The Girls are Golden Again!

Canada reclaimed the women's world hockey championship with a 5-1 victory over the U.S.

Commemorative Mug

...to remember the 2006-07 Toronto Maple Leafs.

My Playoff Predictions

EAST

Buffalo over NY Islanders in 5 games. This appears to be the only one-sided match ups. The Sabres have speed, scoring, defense and goaltending. And the Sabres are finally healthy again with Connolly and Afinogenov back in the lineup. The Islanders qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season in a shootout but no shootouts in the playoffs.

New Jersey over Tampa Bay in 6 games. Great scoring in Lecavalier and St. Louis but I don't think that will help much against Brodeur who has had a career season and is my candidate for league MVP. He had 12 shutouts in the regular season and I can see him adding a few more in the playoffs. The defense is solid and Matvichuk is back from a season long injury (partly because they had no cap space). The Devils can be beaten but it won't be by the Bolts.

NY Rangers over Atlanta in 7 games. The addition of Tkachuk and Zhitnik has given Atlanta a second scoring line and a mobile defenseman but they continue to struggle in their own end. The Rangers got hot at the end of the season because Lundqvist got hot. Shanahan has recovered from his injury and Jagr seems to have picked up his play. That should be enough to get by Atlanta.

Ottawa over Pittsburgh in 6 games. I know lots of people are picking Pittsburgh because they finished strong but so did Ottawa. Yes Pittsburgh has Crosby and Malkin but right now the pair aren't as good as Heatley and Spezza. Ottawa's top 4 defensemen are superior to the Penguin's top 4. Finally, I don't think Fleury is quite ready for prime time. Maybe next year.

West

Calgary over Detroit in 7 games. On paper this looks like a sure thing for Detroit but it's not. Calgary is much better than they were in 2004 when they made it to the finals. The Wings are in a very weak conference (Columbus, St. Louis and Chicago) while the Flames are in a very tough conference so their 96 points were much tougher to earn than the Wings' 113 points. This should be a great goalie series with Hasek and Kiprusoff facing each other.

Minnesota over Anaheim in 7 games. I'm predicting another upset in the West. Anaheim has been the at the top of the standing all season in the West and slipped back when Pronger got hurt. He is back and the Ducks will be tough. But Lemaire has his team playing just the way he likes. The Wild will strangle you defensively. Backstrom is this year's Cam Ward with an eye-popping 1.97 goals against average. Finally teaming up Demitra and Gaborik has finally provided the Wild with some creative offense.

Vancouver over Dallas in 6 games. This will be a very low scoring affair. Neither team has much scoring and both have great goalies but Turko has been a bust every year in the playoffs. The Canucks may be a one-line, one goalie team but with Turco's history that will be more than enough.

San Jose over Nashville in 7 games. This is the best first round matchup in West. Both teams have impressive forwards with oe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo lining up on one side and Steve Sullivan, Peter Forsberg, Jason Arnott, and Paul Kariya on the other side. Give the edge to Nahsville here. But the Sharks have the edge on defense. Both teams have good goaltending including good backups. In fact I would take either Mason or Toskala over Raycroft any day. I just think that at this point in their careers, it will be tougher to stop Thornton than Forsberg so the Sharks have the edge.

Worst Chip Flavours Ever

Toronto Maple Leaf Board of Directors getting together to decide the fate of the fabled franchise

Let's Get This Party Started

A couple of Florida Panthers got their off-season started in style, partying into the wee hours of Monday morning and ending up with a trip to the Miami-Dade County jail.

Goaltender Ed Belfour and winger Ville Peltonen "were at Nikki Beach around 1 a.m. when they were asked to leave for disorderly conduct. When the pair refused to leave, an officer responded to the scene." Nice to see Eddie acting his age.

This is where it gets good:

As the officer approached the men, Belfour got into a fighting position, and the two got into a scuffle, which forced the officer to taser Belfour.

Belfour was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence, while Peltonen was booked on criminal mischief charges. There's no word on what bail was set at, though as long as it was less than $1 billion, Belfour would have presumably had it covered. I just love the Crazy Eddie stories.

Looking Ahead

I thought I'd provide a quick update on contract status and cap hits for the Leafs roster as I'm sure we'll all be playing armchair GM for the next few days.

The Leafs have a number of UFAs that they need to walk run away from and a surprising number of RFAs that should make for some interesting negotiations. They have $26.2 million committed to 13 NHL players. Assuming the cap is $48 million next year, they have about $20 million to spend on 10 players leaving $2 million as a contingency. Also, they have 8 players signed until 2009 or longer tying up $23.4 million in cap space. So JFJ or his replacement is stuck with the current core.

FORWARDS

Player	Pos	Status	06-07 Cap Hit	o7-08 Cap Hit
Antropov	F	UFA	$1.07M	---
Battaglia	F	UFA	$500K	---
Devereaux	F	UFA	$450K	---
Green	F	UFA	$500K	---
Kilger	F	Signed to 2009	$900K	$900K
Newbury	F	Signed to 2009	$450K	$450K
Ondrus	F	Signed to 2008	$475K	$475K
O'Neill	F	UFA	$1.5M	---
Peca	F	UFA	$2.5M	---
Perreault	F	UFA	$700K	---
Pohl	F	Signed to 2009	$463K	$463K
Ponikarovsky	F	RFA	$713	---
Stajan	F	Signed to 2008	$875K	$875K
Steen	F	Signed to 2008	$901K	$901K
Tucker	F	Signed to 2012	$1.59M	$3M
Sundin	F	Club option	$6.33M	TBD
Wellwood	F	Signed to 2008	$875K	$875K
Westrum	F	Signed to 2008	$463K	$463K
Williams	F	RFA	$507K	---

Defence

Player	Pos	Status	06-07 Cap Hit	o7-08 Cap Hit
Belak	D	Signed to 2008	$670K	$670K
Colaiacovo	D	RFA	$825K	---
Gill	D	Signed to 2009	$2.075M	$2.075M
Harrison	D	RFA	$450K	---
Kronwall	D	RFA	$625	---
Kaberle	D	Signed to 2011	$4.25M	$4.25M
Kubina	D	Signed to 2010	$5M	$5M
McCabe	D	Signed to 2011	$5.75M	$5.75M
White	D	RFA	$453K	---
Wozniewski	D	Signed to 2008	$463	$463

Goalies

Player	Pos	Status	06-07 Cap Hit	o7-08 Cap Hit
Aubin	G	UFA	$525K	---
Raycroft	G	Signed to 2009	$2M	$2M

T

Picture Says It All

New Raptor Centre?

The Year in Review

Here are some stats on the year. They show a weakness in goaltending and overall team defense but we all know that already. The Leafs could score goals but it was spread out among all 4 lines and the defense. No player scored 30 or more goals. The Leafs were much better playing 5 on 5 but their powerplay dropped from 4th overall last season to 16th this season. The penalty killing was abysmal.

Team ranked 18th with 91 points
Team ranked 6th in goal scored with 258
Team ranked 25th in goal against with 269
Team ranked 17th in overtime and shootout with a 8-11 record
Powerplay ranked 16th
Powerplay gave up 11 short handed goals ranking 20th
Penalty killers ranked 27th
Scored on 3 short handed goals ranking 30th
Raycroft was 32nd in G.A.A. at 2.99
Raycroft was 36th in Save % with .893
Raycroft was 8th in wins with 37
Raycroft was 5th in losses with 25
Gill lead team in +/- with +11
Tucker had the worst +/- with -11
Team had 14 10-goal scores, 5 20-goal scorers, no 30- or 40-goal scorers
Bryan McCabe was 3rd in league in giveaways with 104
Sundin was 7th in league in shots on net with 321
Sundin was tied for 6th in league with 6 shootout goals
Tucker was 14th in league in powerplay goals with 15

Saturday Night Fright

...Andrew Raycroft's trapper glove.

Leafs Stay Alive for at Least One More Day

Wow!

What a game! I thought it was all over when Montreal scored 4 unanswered goals, including a natural hat trick, and Shakey Raycroft got pulled. Thought that was it.

Somehow the boys found a way.

It was a sloppy game with terrible goaltending, flukey goals, weak defensive play and still no goal by Sundin. Although the captain had game a great effort and lead with 8 shots and 3 assists. And yes they scored high on Raycroft's glove hand but it was Don Cherry not Harry Neale who claimed he didn't have a chance. In fact I thought the Leafs were finished on that second goal by the Canadiens which was a 40-foot wrist shot off of Raycroft's glove. I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out how he didn't catch it.

Leaf Nation will have to hope that the Devils take tomorrow's game seriously and beat the Islanders.

The Last 'Must Win' Game of the Season

Watching the collapse against the Islanders on Thursday was painful. All those goals high on the glove hand. You could just hear Ted Nolan telling his players where to shoot before the game.

So it all comes down to the drama of a frozen Easter weekend.

The Leafs have to win tonight in regulation and the Islanders have to drop their remaining game against the Devils tomorrow, and Marty Brodeur might sit that one out. The Islanders beat the Flyers this afternoon to move ahead of the Leafs.

I just don't have a good feel about tonight. The Leafs’ inability to hold a lead, Raycroft’s inability to generate a key save when it’s needed most, the club’s lack of discipline and poor PK all coming together in the perfect storm to end a rather middling year.

Here are some more predictions:

• Habs score high glove on Raycroft and Harry Neale says Raycroft “didn’t have a chance”

• Neale/Cole says the next goal is important

• Cole can’t remember a Canadien player’s name

• Sundin scores to tie Sittler’s record

So when the collapse is completed and the death bell rings, the fingerpointing will start. First, it’ll start with the 1 or 2 games we should’ve won but didn’t in the final weeks. Well that’ll be easy. Then it’ll turn towards the players that disappeared off the radar when the going got tough.

Sundin who turned invisible in the last month. McCabe and his bogus contract.

Then it’ll zero in on the top shelf.

Ferguson, and his unwillingness to pull the trigger on a decent trade, dishing off Sundin for bona fide help now and in the future.

And we in Leaf Nation, the paltry ice minions that bleed blue, well, we’ll scrub the parade plans and redraw the route for next year.

Oh sure, there’s a slight chance we’ll squeak past the Habs and the Isles will falter. A very good chance actually. But where would that lead us? Down the path to temptation. Temptation to think this team is good enough. Temptation to think that Sundin is a true $6 million leader. Temptation to think McCabe is Norris material and our D is the stuff of legend.

Or would it be better that we lose tonight and put Ferguson’s head on the chopping block, cut Sundin loose, trim the dead wood, and regroup.

You decide.

I’m still looking for a sword to fall on.

Brodeur passes Bernie Parent for most season wins

Martin Brodeur has passed Bernie Parent for the most wins in a single season when he recorded his 48th win. A record that might deserve an asterisk since there no tied games in the NHL which mean more wins for goalies.

A prime example of the inflated win phenomenon is that a very ordinary Andrew Raycroft is tied with Ed Belfour at 37 wins for the Leaf single season record. Raycroft stands 7th in the league in wins which would be commendable except for the fact he is also 4th in the league in losses.

Embarrassed Leafs Fans Resort to Disguises

Thank Goodness

Natives are getting restless

My single thought about that poor excuse of a game on Long Island: The only goal that didn't beat Raycroft's glove was the empty net marker by Satan.

Maybe the worst ceremonial pitch ever

Tie Domi Just Won't Go Away

I hate Tie Domi. I know I'm in the minority in Toronto but pulling on a Maple Leaf jersey doesn't qualify you for sainthood. Now that he is retired I wish he would just disappear. But that's not going to happen.

As a player he was a cheapshot artist who would show phony remorse when threatened with suspensions. He acted like he was a key component of the team although he sometimes only saw 4 minutes of ice time in games. He verbally abused reporters who wrote things he didn't like and always threatened to sue for libel.

Outside of hockey, not much is different. His ex-wife claims he abused her. He may lied on the stand during the MFP inquiry to clear his brother of potential bribery charges (obviously I can't prove it). Now it comes out that his son's hockey coach accuses him of verbal abuse and Domi is again threatening to sue.

I hope he doesn't sue me.

No such thing as Zamboni DWI

Zamboni operator John Peragallo had been charged with drunken driving in 2005 after a fellow employee at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, New Jersey told police the machine was speeding and nearly crashed into the boards. Police said Peragallo's blood alcohol level was 0.12 percent. A level of 0.08 is considered legally drunk in New Jersey.

A judge ruled Zamonis aren't motor vehicles because they aren't useable on highways and can't carry passengers so he can't be convicted of drunk driving.

Kyle Wellwood is a gentleman

Kyle Wellwood has played 45 games this season and has not received a single penalty. In the NHL that is quite an accomplishment. If he had appeared in more games he would likely be a leading contender to win the Lady Bying Trophy awarded to the player who shows the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with performance in play. But Kyle has played this way for most of his hockey career. In 127 NHL games he has 14 penalty minutes. In 156 AHL games he has 26 minutes in penalties. In 244 OHL games he has just 42 minutes in penalties.

CAREER STATS

Year Team Lea GP G A Pts +/- PIM S S% PPG 2006-07 Toronto NHL 45 11 29 40 +2 0 96 11.5 0.89 2005-06 Toronto NHL 81 11 34 45 E 14 117 9.4 0.56 2004-05 St. John's AHL 80 38 49 87 +11 20 184 20.7 1.09 2003-04 Toronto NHL 1 0 0 0 -1 0 1 0.0 0.00 St. John's AHL 76 20 35 55 -14 6 140 14.3 0.72 2002-03 Windsor OHL 57 41 59 100 +18 0 - - 1.75 2001-02 Windsor OHL 26 14 21 35 +1 0 - - 1.35 Belleville OHL 28 16 24 40 E 4 - - 1.43 Total Bel/Wsr OHL 54 30 45 75 +1 4 - - 1.39 2000-01 Belleville OHL 68 35 83 118 +47 24 - - 1.74 1999-00 Belleville OHL 65 14 37 51 +18 14 - - 0.78 1998-99 Tecumse OJHL-B 51 22 41 63 - 12 - - 1.24 TOTAL NHL 127 22 63 85 +1 14 214 10.2 0.67 AHL 156 58 84 142 -3 26 324 17.9 0.91 OHL 244 120 224 344 +84 42 - - 1.41 OJHL-B 51 22 41 63 - 12 - - 1.24

Saturday Night's Winning Goal

The blur is Heather in the shootout (you can make out the pink stick).

My thoughts on going to Provincials

Each year the coaches are asked if we are interested in coaching a BB or A team - the answer is always no. You see many coaches/players in North Metro feel it is important to coach/play at as high of a level as possible. There is a shared belief that improvement is best achieved by advancing each year. This partly explains why Midget Tier 1 has 38 teams and Tier 4 has only 13 teams.

The coaches on this team take a slightly different approach. We believe it is a much bigger thrill to coach/play each year in the Provincial Championships then struggle through a season in Tier 1 or 2. We would rather be playing until mid-April than end the season in February.

But it is more than just extending the season. We believe that players improve more in a competitive environment. Just look around and see how much each player has improved on this team. And these intense playoff games contribute considerably to a player's development.

Each year we find players who share our philosophy. There likely isn't a player on this team that couldn't have found a BB or A team to play for this season yet they chose to play on this team. And many players choose to stick with this team for 3 seasons and don't even go to other tryouts.

Bruce and I are taking a team to the Provincial Championships for a 6th straight year. Our overall record is 7-11-3 with one Championship and 2 semi-final placings. These games are all tough but they are also really exciting. We hope everyone else enjoys the experience as much as we do.

Good luck to everyone!

Pulling the goalie

I think there were a few eyebrows raised on Friday when our goalie was pulled with 2 minutes remaining on the clock and we were killing a penalty. As it turned out we had some good scoring chances while playing 5 on 5 but as we all know, we failed to score the tying goal.

There is always a lot of debate about when to pull a goalie. With the NHL regular season coming to a rapid end, it looks like the last playoff spot might come down to a tie breaker. That reminds me of the end of the season in the early 70's (I was just in diapers back then of course). The Rangers and Detroit were playing an afternoon game on the last day of the regular season and Montreal and Chicago were playing in the evening. If the Rangers won in the afternoon and Montreal lost in the evening then the two teams would be tied and the tie breaker would be goals scored. So the Rangers needed to win and score a lot of goals. The Rangers played like gangbusters and early in the second period they were up by a score of 7-2. But at strategic points of the game Ranger coach Emile Francis kept pulling the goalie when the faceoff was in the Detroit end because he needed insurance goals. They ended up winning 9-5 and Detroit scored 3 empty net goals.

In the evening game, with 10 minutes left in the game, Montreal found themselves down 5-2. So Claude Ruel, the Montreal coach, pulled his goalie for the last 10 minutes to try to come back and get at least a tie. Chicago scored 5 empty net goals and won the game 10-2. As it turned out neither team scored a goal with the goalie out of the net but the two teams gave up 8 empty net goals. So don't be surprised to see some bizarre things next weekend by teams trying to qualify for the playoffs. In particular in the Leaf-Canadien game if Toronto remains 1 point back and needed a win in regulation time to grab the last playoff spot.

Playoff Race

UPDATED w/ Saturday's games.

Here's a look at the record each team needs to attain that projected point mark and (essentially) guarantee a playoff berth. Note that although Carolina and the Islanders are not mathematically out of the playoffs, they can only get a maximum of 92 points which is unlikely to be enough to secure a playoff spot. Even though Montreal is ahead of the Leafs in the standings, the Canadiens cannot lose another game in regulation time and finish with 93 points while the Leafs with a game in hand only need to win 3 out of their remaining 4 games.

Eastern Conference (93 points)

1. Buffalo - Guaranteed as of Mar. 3
   
2. New Jersey - Guaranteed as of Mar. 15
   
3. Ottawa - Guaranteed as of Mar. 18
   
4. Pittsburgh - Guaranteed as of Mar. 18
   
5. Atlanta - Guaranteed as of Mar. 31
   
6. N.Y. Rangers - 2-2-0
7. Tampa Bay - 1-1-1
8. Montreal - 2-0-1
   

   ---

9. Toronto - 3-1-0
10. N.Y. Islanders - Eliminated (max 92)
    
11. Carolina - Eliminated (max 92)
    
12. Florida - Eliminated (max 90)
    
13. Boston - Eliminated (max 84)
    
14. Washington - Eliminated (max 72)
    
15. Philadelphia - Eliminated (max 61)

Coaching Staff Sign With Leaside

The Leaside Girls Hockey League reported on Sunday that they had signed the entire coaching staff of the North York Storm Midget B team. Leaside President Steve Radcliffe announced in a press release that the coaches have been give Leaside's Midget AA team for the 2007-08 season. Radcliffe stated that, "We're quite excited about bring Willie, Bruce and Ron over from North York". Radcliffe indicated that he was well aware that the coaches have been bad mouthing the Leaside organization for years but suggested that some of the criticism was deserved. He added, "frankly, we were getting tired of their team beating up on our Midget B team. That isn't going to happen any more".

Leaside also announced that they had worked out a deal with the Toronto Aeros to share a new training facility in The Beaches area. There has been considerable speculation regarding the new facility which is expected to have an Olympic-sized rink and two community rinks; mostly like adjacent to Tiny Thompson Park. Coach Ron when contacted at home indicated that the facility would have special training equipment for goalies that all the Leaside teams would have access to. Ron explained, "I was quite excited to hear about the new facility and how much access we would get. We played most of our games at Grandravine arena this year and the parking lot was always filled with bingo players forcing us to park in the street". He added, "I was afraid for my life parking out there".

North York Storm President Mary Suppa was caught by surprise by the announcement. She noted that the Storm organization had already placed their tryout ad in the Sporting Scene with the name and contact information of the coaches. With tryouts only 3 weeks away, the Storm would have to scramble to find replacement coaches. She remarked that the coaches have had a considerable success in North York and her own daughters played for Willie, Bruce and Ron. Coach Bruce indicated that he couldn't understand what the fuss was about. When contacted he suggested no one should be surprised by the move. "I've lived in Leaside all my life, I've taught school here, my daughter went to school and played her hockey here and I coached here too", noted Bruce. He suggested a change of scenery was always good. When asked if any Storm players would be following them to Leaside, his only comment was "it's up to them to decide where they want to play".

Coach Willie indicated that he was not prepared to comment on the move to Leaside at this time. But he did announce - "April Fools!"

Storm Win 3rd Straight Bronze Medal

Again this year the Storm failed to grab a gold or silver but consistency has to count for something. It was a real nail biter but a shootout win earned a very resilient Storm Midget B team a bronze medal at the North Metro Championships for the 3rd straight year.

Before the game, the team sang a rousing version of "Chasing Cars" by the Snow Patrol lead by Maestro Bruce followed by a passionate sermon from Reverend Ross. It can't get any better than that. The only thing in our way was the Mississauga Chiefs who has topped off an undefeated season with - a loss in the Semis to Orillia. And in sports some very strange things can happen and Mississauga failed to register a win in the Championship weekend and walked away empty handed.

The game had many heroes. Biggest perhaps was Alisha who once again shut down Mississauga as she had all last season to keep the Storm in the game. She made one great save after another in the 3rd period and overtime as the Storm began to run out of gas. Our penalty killers again played strong games including a two-man disadvantage for 1:20 in the 3rd period.

The Storm scored the first goal at 5:56 of the 2nd period on a goal by Heather while on the power play. That lead held until early in the 3rd period when Mississauga also scored on the powerplay. From that point on the Storm team was on the ropes for much of the remainder of the game and into overtime although there were several times when it looked like the game could have been won. During the shootout, Jasmine was the first shooter and tried to shoot through the goalies legs but got her in the pads. The Mississauga shooter tried to deke but Alisha covered up down low and made the save. Next shooter up was Heather who cut to the goalie's blocker side and lifted the puck over her shoulder. Again, Alisha stopped the Mississauga player as the Storm spilled onto the ice to celebrate the 2-1 victory.

In the Gold Medal game, Orillia surprised Markham-Stouffville by a score of 2-1.

Note: The original North Metro results were reversed. It turns out that Markham-Stouffville won the gold medal. Thanks Paige for pointing that out.

The only other Storm team at the North Metro Championships was the Bantam AA team who were knocked out in the Quarter-Final match.

So in two weeks we go to the really big show - the Provincial Championships. Our first game will be against the North Metro Champions, Orillia Terriers.